[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15064]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE 13TH ANNUAL GUAM DIABETES CONFERENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, November 2, 2012

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 13th Annual 
Guam Diabetes Conference as well as President Emeritus Carl Butler for 
his 20 years of service to the Guam Diabetes Association and our 
community on Guam. This important gathering provides healthcare 
professionals with the opportunity to share their expertise and 
knowledge with members of the Guam Diabetes Association. The conference 
coincides with American Diabetes Month, which is recognized every 
November as a time to promote education and more effective management 
of the disease.
  This year's theme, ``Diabetes: Focus on Healthy Choices for a Better 
Life,'' highlights the importance of personal responsibility in 
diabetes management. On Guam and throughout the country, type 2 
diabetes remains a growing concern because of the severe complications 
that may result from poor management. In particular, Asians and Pacific 
Islanders have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than the 
general population. The Guam Diabetes Association has worked to educate 
our community about how to avoid complications, such as heart and 
kidney disease, stroke and neuropathy, and to promote healthier food 
and lifestyle choices on Guam.
  Research shows that people can reverse diabetes and reduce their risk 
of developing complications through careful management and moderation. 
We know now that having diabetes does not mean having all the dreaded 
complications, and the Guam Diabetes Association helps to dispel myths 
associated with the disease and promote the idea that people with 
diabetes can still live full lives.
  The Guam Diabetes Association plays an important role in educating 
the public about diabetes, and provides an invaluable service to our 
community. I commend the Guam Diabetes Association and current 
President Jose Q. Taitague for working to reduce and prevent diabetes 
on our island, and I am hopeful that Guam Diabetes Conference will help 
further efforts to stop diabetes on Guam.

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